The Sentencing Act 2026 changes to automatic release dates for some prisoners will come into force from 1 October 2026. Following public campaigning and government reviews, the changes will not come into effect for those convicted of certain offences.
The Attorney General has the power to refer to the Court of Appeal sentences for certain offences which they believe to be "unduly lenient". This power to refer is sometimes called the 'unduly lenient sentence scheme'.
How can an individual apply to have a criminal record on the Police National Computer deleted? What is disclosed in a criminal record check?
Constituency casework,Research Briefing
The procedure for appealing a conviction or sentence is different depending on the type of court that dealt with the case. This page provides an overview of appealing from a magistrates’ court or Crown Court.
Research Briefing
On Monday 29 June 2026, the House of Commons will consider estimates of spending and priorities of the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office, in so far as it relates to criminal justice. The debate will be opened by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Dame Karen Bradley MP, and Andy Slaughter MP.
Research Briefing
IPP sentences were abolished in 2012 but continue to cause controversy. Changes to licence termination arrangements are being phased in from 1 November 2024.
Research Briefing
This briefing paper considers suicide prevention policies and strategies throughout the UK. It outlines national and local approaches to prevention policy in some key policy areas.
Research Briefing
The Sentencing Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 14 November 2023. The Bill’s second reading is scheduled for 6 December 2023.
Research Briefing
The Criminal Justice Bill is scheduled to have its second reading on 28 November 2023. This briefing provides background to the Bill, an overview of its main provisions, and analysis of its proposals.
Debate Pack
There will be a debate on reducing serious violence and violence against women and girls, and raising confidence in policing and the criminal justice system on 15 November 2023.
Research Briefing
The Victims and Prisoners Bill was considered by a Public Bill Committee over 14 sittings between 20 June 2023 and 11 July 2023. The dates for the remaining stages have not yet been announced.
Research Briefing
This briefing provides an overview of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 which provides for some convictions and cautions to become “spent”.
Insight
The Justice Secretary has announced measures on early release and short sentences as well as funding to address lack of capacity and overcrowding in prisons.
Research Briefing
This briefing describes the prison estate in England and Wales. It discusses conditions in the estate and the Government's prisons programmes.
Constituency casework,Research Briefing
This briefing has been replaced by another briefing
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